But former Huddersfield Town player Anthony Lloyd knows his 20-month-old daughter Isabella faces an uncertain future.

The defender and his wife, Rachael, were devastated when their baby girl was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just three weeks old.

Medics arrived at their Pontefract home following the baby’s routine heel-prick test, to break the devastating news.

Now the lively toddler will most likely need a heart and lung transplant by the time she reaches her 20s.

Anthony – who plays for North Ferriby United – has made it his mission to encourage others to become organ donors.

And the 27-year-old is urging Huddersfield Town fans to sign the register at today’s home League One game against Oldham Athletic, which is being dedicated to the cause.

Anthony, who left Town in 2005, said: “Isabella could need a donor later in life. The more people who are on the register, the better.

“I want everyone to put themselves on the list. You never know, someone close to you might have an injury or an illness and might need a donor one day.

“How would you feel if there wasn’t one there? This could help extend life. It is so important.”

The couple knew nothing about the genetic illness which makes thick mucus accumulate in sufferers’ lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and infection.

Anthony added: “The lungs deteriorate that much from all the mucus that they cannot cope.

“A lung transplant will extend Isabella’s life by about 20 years, but it won’t cure it.

“It’s hard. We try to forget about it, but it’s just constantly in your head.

“We have to play with her until she gets out of breath everyday to help keep her mucus moving.

“Sometimes she tires more quickly than other children her age.

“But, touch wood, she’s doing really well at the moment.”

Isabella has to have physio twice a day and take antibiotics daily. She also takes Creon – a mixture of digestive enzymes – before food.

A handful of Town players have already signed up to become organ donors, including goalkeeper Ian Bennett plus strikers Alan Lee and Jordan Rhodes.

Fans at today’s match will be given the chance to sign up to the register.

Alternatively, they can show their interest by texting SAVE to 84118 for more information.

Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle added: “It’s vitally important that Huddersfield Town uses its position in the community to convey important messages and they don’t come more important than the organ donation register.

“As Anthony’s story shows, it is often not discussed until it becomes someone you know.

“But there is no reason every Town fan cannot consider whether they want to sign up now.

“I’d urge Town fans – and everyone in the community – to consider whether organ donation is a viable possibility for them. You could save someone’s life someday.”